An electrifying encounter looms as Manchester City prepare to face Manchester United in the highly anticipated derby clash on Sunday in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s side are navigating a challenging period, with their recent 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League underlining their struggles. The result leaves City with just one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions.

Meanwhile, United enter the derby in mixed form. They secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, but their league form has been far from ideal with back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

MORE: Are Man City even worse than Man United right now? 195th Manchester derby set to be a morbid spectacle

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.

Man City vs. Man United live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this Premier League match in Australia:

TV channel: —
Live stream: Optus Sport

This game is not available for live TV broadcast in Australia. Streaming options are available on Optus Sport.

If Man City vs. Man United is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.

What time does Man City vs. Man United kick off?

This Premier League clash takes place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England and kicks off on Sunday, December 15 at 4:30 p.m. local time.

Here’s how that time translates across Australia:

Man City vs. Man United lineups, team news

Guardiola is facing a defensive crisis for this game exacerbated by the loss of Manuel Akanji, who has been ruled out with a pelvic injury.

With John Stones and Nathan Ake struggling and Rico Lewis suspended, that means City could end up fielding a makeshift defence that could include a midfielder or youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

Rodri and Oscar Bobb remain long-term absentees, but Mateo Kovacic should be fit enough to start, meaning Jack Grealish can vacate the defensive-midfield role he played against Juventus.

Man City predicted lineup (3-2-4-1, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Walker, Dias, Gvardiol — Gundogan, Kovacic — Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish, Savinho — Haaland

Injured: Akanji (pelvis), Stones (foot), Ake (thigh), Rodri (knee), Bobb (leg), Foden (illness, doubt)
Suspended: Lewis (red card, 1/1)

United’s injury picture is at long last looking largely positive, although they are still without Luke Shaw, who suffered a setback on his road to recovery.

Amorim confirmed that Jonny Evans is back in full training, having been sidelined since his first game in charge against Ipswich Town last month. 

Rasmus Hojlund will likely start after scoring twice off the bench against Viktoria Plzen this week, while Mason Mount‘s decent cameo could earn him a starting spot.

Man United predicted lineup (3-4-3, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez — Amad Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot — Fernandes, Hojlund, Mount

Injured: Shaw (undisclosed)
Suspended: None

Man City vs. Man United Prediction 

Manchester City have won five of the last six derbies against Manchester United, which may give them the necessary mental boost to emerge as victors this time too.

However, both sides have been far from their best selves this season. Considering how vulnerable their defenses are at the moment, this Manchester Derby should be an end-to-end goal-fest with City narrowly emerging as victors

• Prediction: Man City 3-2 Man United

Premier League fixture schedule this week

All times AEDT

Sunday, December 15

• Arsenal vs. Everton (2:00 a.m.)
• Liverpool vs. Fulham (2:00 a.m.)
• Newcastle vs. Leicester (2:00 a.m.)
• Wolves vs. Ipswich (2:00 a.m.)
• Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa (4:30 a.m.)

Monday, December 16

• Brighton vs. Crystal Palace (1:00 a.m.)
• Man City vs. Man United (3:30 a.m.)
• Southampton vs. Tottenham (6:00 a.m.)
• Chelsea vs. Brentford (6:00 a.m.)

Tuesday, December 17

• Bournemouth vs. West Ham (7:00 a.m.)